Johor polls show mature democracy through policy debates

Political leaders prioritise policy debates over personal attacks, reflecting a mature democracy in the Johor state election campaign

KUALA LUMPUR: The prioritisation of policy debates and manifestos by federal and state leaders during the Johor State Election campaign period reflects a positive shift toward a more mature democratic landscape.

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) psychological warfare expert and security and political analyst, Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin, said such a political scenario highlighted harmonious politics, with competing parties focusing on policy arguments rather than personal attacks.

“What is interesting this time around is that there are few intense character assassination issues.

“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim directly addressed federal-level policy issues, such as the salary adjustment for civil servants that had not been raised for 12 years and fuel subsidy rationalisation,” he said during a live broadcast on BERNAMA Radio in conjunction with the 2026 Johor State Election today.

Noor Nirwandy said the political consensus among parties at the federal level had fostered healthy competition in the 56-seat contests of the state polls.

He said the strong cooperation between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) at the federal level also formed a key foundation for political stability and the well-being of the Johor community post-election.

He added that maintaining this consensus is essential for ensuring long-term stability for both the country and Johor.